1st Korean study offers ‘new treatment option’ for high-risk elderly patients in gallbladder removal surgery

A study first demonstrated a new gallstone treatment applicable to elderly and high-risk patients, serving as an alternative to surgery. It received the KGFID (Korean Gastroenterology Fund for Integrated Development) Academic Award.

Catholic University of Korea Eunpyeong St. Mary's Hospital announced on Wednesday that Professor Ko Sung-woo of the Department of Gastroenterology received the KGFID Academic Award (Best Abstract and Best Presentation categories) at “Korea Digestive Disease Week 2025 (KDDW 2025),” held at the Grand Walkerhill Seoul from last Thursday to Saturday.

The KGFID Academic Award is presented to researchers who have achieved outstanding research results in gastroenterology in Korea over the past year.

Professor Ko received the highest evaluation for his research titled “Endoscopic Gallbladder Stone Removal via Metal Stents after Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiography, or Endoscopic Ultrasound-guided Gallbladder Drainage (EUS-GBD).” While the safety and efficacy of EUS-GBD are well established, this is the first domestic study to directly introduce an endoscope into the gallbladder after gallstone removal.

Professor Ko's team conducted the study at Eunpyeong St. Mary's Hospital between December 2024 and July 2025. The study included 43 high-risk patients diagnosed with acute calculous cholecystitis. After EUS-GBD, endoscopes were inserted into the gallbladder via metal stents four to six weeks after the initial procedure for stone removal. Stones were completely removed in 93 percent (40 patients), with a recurrence rate of only 2.3 percent (one patient).

These findings demonstrate that endoscopy-based treatment can be an effective and safe alternative for elderly and high-risk patients for whom cholecystectomy is difficult.

"As more older patients cannot have gallbladder surgery, it is important that this study shows treating patients with ultrasound-guided tube and camera stone removal can work well for them," Professor Ko said. "We will keep working in hospitals and research so more patients get safe and effective care."

“KDDW 2025” is an international academic conference jointly hosted by eight gastroenterology-related societies, including the Korean Society of Gastroenterology. Approximately 2,000 experts from 42 countries are participating. This year marks its ninth anniversary.